Editor's Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the show being covered here wouldn't exist.

In 2019, Prime Video's adaptation of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's novel Good Omens became an online phenomenon with its delightfully quirky story of a demon and an angel with a close bond who help avert the apocalypse. The six episodes released back then told a contained story and didn't leave many threads dangling, which is why the announcement of a Good Omens season 2 took so many (myself included) by surprise. An unexpected revival will likely always cause some apprehension, and for good reason when considering how many properties are pushed way beyond their natural end. Thankfully, Good Omens season 2 justifies its existence with a compelling new mystery and the return of David Tennant and Michael Sheen's incomparable chemistry.

At the end of Good Omens season 1, Armageddon was avoided, and Aziraphale (Sheen) and Crowley (Tennant) have been left to their own devices by Heaven and Hell, respectively. A peaceful life has settled in for both, but that is swiftly upended by the arrival of the Supreme Archangel Gabriel (Jon Hamm), who turns up on Aziraphale's doorstep with no memories of his Heavenly life (and no clothes, either). As the forces of Heaven and Hell seek to track down Gabriel, Aziraphale and Crowley partner up once again to protect him and prevent what could be another world-ending disaster.

Gaiman, who returns as a co-writer alongside newcomer John Finnemore for Good Omens season 2, has said the new episodes aren't based on the book sequel that never materialized. Despite that, the series returns with its distinctive voice well intact, even if it is missing season 1 narrator Frances McDormand. The mystery of Gabriel's missing memories and what exactly brought him to Aziraphale gives the show forward momentum, though the middle episodes slow somewhat due to "minisodes" that dive into Aziraphale and Crowley's past. In terms of character work and the deepening of the duo's relationship, the minisodes go a long way in establishing their admittedly layered history. When it comes to the fascinating Gabriel plot, though, Good Omens season 2 is slower to unravel its answers. That said, the eventual resolution is very satisfying and unexpected.

Just as with season 1, Good Omens' depiction of Heaven and Hell, as well as its inhabitants, puts a clever spin on these unearthly concepts. The very first scene of the season is a flashback to when Crowley was an angel, and it sets the stage for the thorny theological ideas Good Omens loves to consider. Once again, Gaiman (and now Finnemore, who proves an excellent addition to the show) doesn't shy away from bringing shades of gray into ideas about God and Heaven. This is especially true in an episode that retells the Biblical tale of Job. Good Omens season 2 is further aided by a uniformly impressive cast, with many returning actors taking on new roles. Maggie Service and Nina Sosanya get bigger roles as burgeoning couple Maggie and Nina, respectively, and Miranda Richardson digs into her nasty side as Crowley's replacement Shax, a new demon leading Hell's charge on Earth. Special credit must go to Hamm, who uses his comedic skills to great effect as the amnesiac Gabriel, and newcomer Quelin Sepulveda as the incredibly naive, but sweetly innocent angel Muriel. Both Hamm and Sepulveda bring laughs and heart, particularly in the final episode of the season for the former.

Good Omens season 2 remains an excellent showcase for Sheen and Tennant. Their chemistry is unmatched, and both actors are given the opportunities to explore new sides to their characters, which often comes down to questions of faith. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing Aziraphale and Crowley team up against the forces of Heaven and Hell, and Sheen and Tennant commit fully to their eccentric characters. Good Omens season 2 could be considered a character study for both, and it leaves the two in a surprising, utterly fascinating place. While a second season could be considered unnecessary, the finale demands a season 3, confirming there really is more story to tell. Gaiman and Finnemore have laid the groundwork for an equally entertaining third outing, which will hopefully be confirmed sooner than later.

Good Omens season 2 retains much of what made the first season so appealing, particularly through its two leads. Additionally, at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack, it's refreshing to have a show that unabashedly embraces the queerness of its characters, whether that be through casual usage of they/them pronouns or spotlighting a growing romance between two women. It's powerful. Good Omens' absurdity may not be for everyone, but if you found something to love in season 1, then season 2 should be rewarding. Gaiman and Finnemore have proven that, with an angel, a demon, and a whole wide universe ahead of them, the story possibilities may truly be endless.

All six episodes of Good Omens season 2 release Friday, July 28 on Prime Video.